"The oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."

- Aldo Leopold

Action Alert:
DARK Act - HR 1599U.S. House of Representatives Seeks to Prohibit Labeling of GMOsMaine's landmark legislation, An Act To Protect Maine Food Consumers' Right To Know about Genetically Engineered Food, could be eliminated if HR 1599 were to pass.More information

To maximize our relevance and effectiveness in a time of changing food systems and changing attitudes, we invite you to participate in one or more meetings, held from August 3 to 6, at the Good Will-Hinckley School in Fairfield, Maine.

Know Your Organic Producers!Meet Gina Hancock of MOFGA-certified organic Hancock Family Farm in Casco, Maine. The Hancocks (Gina, Geof and their two daughters) grow vegetables, vegetable seedlings, cut flowers and herbs, which they sell through their own farm stand, at the Bridgton and Kennebunk farmers’ markets and through their community supported agriculture program. "We believe that building and tending quality soil will translate into healthy, nutritious vegetables; that livestock deserves respectful handling and the opportunity to live out their lives on pasture; and that great farming doesn't happen without community," say the Hancocks. Learn more about Hancock Family Farm on their website and on their Facebook page.Please support MOFGA certified organic farmers and producers!

Corn corn everywhere – and not a drop to eatGrist - 2/16/2012.By Tom Laskawy – If you want to understand the state of American commodity agriculture at the moment, you need only read this recent Bloomberg article. It begins: U.S. farmers will plant the most acres in a generation this year, led by the biggest corn crop since World War II, taking advantage of the highest agricultural prices in at least four decades.

Why farms want cold wintersGrist - 2/16/2012.By Matthew Kronsberg – Despite appearances, winter is a surprisingly important time on a farm. There’s a lot going on, biologically, below the surface, much that can influence what we see on market tables for the rest of the year. And much that can go wrong if the winter is warm, as this one has been in the Northeast.

Augusta residents could opt out of sprayingKennebec Journal - 2/16/2012.By Keith Edwards – Residents would have the option of not having the sidewalks next to their homes sprayed with chemicals if they agree to get rid of the weeds themselves. That choice is offered under a new herbicide ordinance and policy meant to control weeds on city sidewalks and other property.

Mainers are leading a push to restore family farmingThe Wire New Hampshire - 2/15/2012.By Matt Kanner – It was 20 degrees below zero when farmer Jim Gerritsen got up on the early morning of Feb. 13. Gerritson operates Wood Prairie Farm in rural Bridgewater, Maine, near the Canadian border in Aroostook County, the most sparsely populated county east of the Mississippi River. With more land than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, it’s home to only about 71,000 people.

Regional School Unit (RSU) 1 L.O.C.A.L. Garden in Bath. Offered by Sagadahoc Chapter of Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT). Space is limited so RSVP by email to: joe.kim.sean@gmail.com. For more information, visit KELT at www.kennebecestuary.org or contact Sue West at swest@chewonki.org.